Microsoft Kin phones may launch next week

Last month, Microsoft announced that its two new Kin phones would be released in May. Well, now that May’s here, a report is percolating through the Web that pre-orders begin Thursday with a full launch May 13.

Microsoft would not confirm the dates for seattlepi.com, citing its policy of not commenting on rumors or speculation. A spokesperson reiterated that the Kin phones will launch this month on the Verizon network in the U.S., and later through Vodafone in Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K.